Dinner and a Derby

There are some dates that just don’t do it for me. Going to see a movie may be nice if you’re antisocial and shy, so you don’t have to take any time to actually talk. A classy dinner date is doable, but if it’s overly romantic and far too formal it may put too much pressure on the barely beginning bond. I like to keep things casual and creative- a moonlight picnic at a pretty place or on a reliable roof, a cozy campfire, a kite festival, anything with animals, and, of course, my date would involve music. This weekend has provided the perfect date duo: dinner and roller derby!

Saturday, June 1st is the Wheeling Feeling Chili Cook-off. Not only will you get to sample some of the best east coast chili and have some fine food, but you’ll also get to feed on free entertainment. The steel drum band Steel Cassa kicks off the cooking from noon til three, with the De’ja’vu Band serving up seconds from three til five. Not only is the event a chili challenge, with prizes awarded in many categories, including “People’s Choice,” and “International Chili Society,” whose winner will go on to Reno, Nevada for a chance to win $25,000, but it is also charitable, benefiting the United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley.

After some dinner and dancing you can go see roller derby! Scar Wars starts at 7, and it’s a bout that brings Huntington, West Virginia’s Jewel City Roller Girls to play our very own Ohio Valley Roller Girls. Taking place at the James E. Carnes Center, this is the OVRG’s last home bout until the fall, so after some food come see them finish the spring season strong. Family friendly fun, tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door, and kids 12 and under get in for free.

As summer is setting in, make sure you do dates right. Take the conventional customs and apply them to area attractions. Take advantage of local talent – whether it’s for food or fun, artistic or athletic, First Fridays or festivals. This weekend you don’t even have to put any planning in – the resources are ready for romance. The question, then, isn’t what you’re going to do on your date, it’s who you’re going to do it with. I’m available after 5 P.M., in case you’re asking!